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At least 1,027 records · Page 57

Anisotropic velocity distributions in M87 - Is a supermassive black hole necessary

A collisionless distribution of stars with an anisotropic velocity distribution is considered as a model for the cores of spherical galaxies. The first moment of the corresponding Boltzmann equation is integrated to give the resulting density and velocity dispersion profiles. These distributions plus a central point source of light give a good fit to the data from recent observations of M87 without requiring a supermassive central object. This model requires one less fitting parameter than published models incorporating a central black hole. The same model with no point source of light also provides a good fit to the normal E1 galaxy NGC 3379. The success of this model in describing the cores of both M87 and NGC 3379 suggests that a supermassive black hole is not necessary in either.

Duncan, M. J.↗

Resolving Magnetic Flux Patches at the Surface of the Core

The geomagnetic field at a given epoch can be used to partition the surface of the liquid outer core into a finite number of contiguous regions in which the radial component of the magnetic flux density, B (sub r), is of one sign. These flux patches are instrumental in providing detail to surface fluid flows inferred from the changing geomagnetic field and in evaluating the validity of the frozen-flux approximation on which such inferences rely. Most of the flux patches in models of the modem field are small and enclose little flux compared to the total unsigned flux emanating from the core. To demonstrate that such patches are not required to explain the most spatially complete and accurate data presently available, those from the Magsat mission, I have constructed a smooth core field model that fits the Magsat data but does not possess small flux patches. I conclude that our present knowledge of the geomagnetic field does not allow us to resolve these features reliably at the core-mantle boundary; thus we possess less information about core flow than previously believed.

OBrien, Michael S.↗

Direct measurement of storage and loss behavior in AFM force–distance experiments using the modified Fourier transformation

Force–distance curve experiments are commonly performed in atomic force microscopy (AFM) to obtain the viscoelastic characteristics of materials, such as the storage and loss moduli or compliances. The classic methods used to obtain these characteristics consist of fitting a viscoelastic material model to the experimentally obtained AFM data. Here, we demonstrate a new method that utilizes the modified discrete Fourier transform to approximate the storage and loss behavior of a material directly from the data, without the need for a fit. Additionally, one may still fit a model to the resulting storage and loss behavior if a parameterized description of the material is desired. In contrast to fitting the data to a model chosen a priori, departing from a model-free description of the material's frequency behavior guides the selection of the model, such that the user may choose the one that is most appropriate for the particular material under study. To this end, we also include modified Fourier domain descriptions of commonly used viscoelastic models.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Further Development of Rotating Rake Mode Measurement Data Analysis

The Rotating Rake mode measurement system was designed to measure acoustic duct modes generated by a fan stage. After analysis of the measured data, the mode amplitudes and phases were quantified. For low-speed fans within axisymmetric ducts, mode power levels computed from rotating rake measured data would agree with the far-field power levels on a tone by tone basis. However, this agreement required that the sound from the noise sources within the duct propagated outward from the duct exit without reflection at the exit and previous studies suggested conditions could exist where significant reflections could occur. To directly measure the modes propagating in both directions within a duct, a second rake was mounted to the rotating system with an offset in both the axial and the azimuthal directions. The rotating rake data analysis technique was extended to include the data measured by the second rake. The analysis resulted in a set of circumferential mode levels at each of the two rake microphone locations. Radial basis functions were then least-squares fit to this data to obtain the radial mode amplitudes for the modes propagating in both directions within the duct. The fit equations were also modified to allow evanescent mode amplitudes to be computed. This extension of the rotating rake data analysis technique was tested using simulated data, numerical code produced data, and preliminary in-duct measured data.

Dahl, Milo D.↗

Parametric fit to electron transport properties

Experimental data acquired over the past few years were gathered, and parametric fits made to these data. The following properties of electron transport were represented by simple functions of atomic number and energy: transmitted electron number, transmitted electron spectra, range, backscatter coefficient, angular distribution, energy deposition, bremsstrahlung intensity and energy spectra, and bremsstrahlung angular distribution and photon attenuation. The formulas cover the energy ranges of interest in space shielding problems (0.1 to 10.0 MeV). Procedures for using these formulas in practical situations are suggested.

Lonergan, J. A.↗

Effects of vegetation canopy on the radar backscattering coefficient

Airborne L- and C-band scatterometer data, taken over both vegetation-covered and bare fields, were systematically analyzed and theoretically reproduced, using a recently developed model for calculating radar backscattering coefficients of rough soil surfaces. The results show that the model can reproduce the observed angular variations of radar backscattering coefficient quite well via a least-squares fit method. Best fits to the data provide estimates of the statistical properties of the surface roughness, which is characterized by two parameters: the standard deviation of surface height, and the surface correlation length. In addition, the processes of vegetation attenuation and volume scattering require two canopy parameters, the canopy optical thickness and a volume scattering factor. Canopy parameter values for individual vegetation types, including alfalfa, milo and corn, were also determined from the best-fit results. The uncertainties in the scatterometer data were also explored.

Mo, T.↗

Least-Squares Curve-Fitting Program

Least Squares Curve Fitting program, AKLSQF, easily and efficiently computes polynomial providing least-squares best fit to uniformly spaced data. Enables user to specify tolerable least-squares error in fit or degree of polynomial. AKLSQF returns polynomial and actual least-squares-fit error incurred in operation. Data supplied to routine either by direct keyboard entry or via file. Written for an IBM PC X/AT or compatible using Microsoft's Quick Basic compiler.

Kantak, Anil V.↗

Measurements of the E-mode polarization and temperature-E-mode correlation of the CMB from SPT-3G 2018 data

We present measurements of the E -mode ( E E ) polarization power spectrum and temperature- E -mode ( T E ) cross-power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background using data collected by SPT-3G, the latest instrument installed on the South Pole Telescope. This analysis uses observations of a 1500 deg 2 region at 95, 150, and 220 GHz taken over a four-month period in 2018. We report binned values of the E E and T E power spectra over the angular multipole range 300 ≤ ℓ < 3000 , using the multifrequency data to construct six semi-independent estimates of each power spectrum and their minimum-variance combination. These measurements improve upon the previous results of SPTpol across the multipole ranges 300 ≤ ℓ ≤ 1400 for E E and 300 ≤ ℓ ≤ 1700 for T E , resulting in constraints on cosmological parameters comparable to those from other current leading ground-based experiments. We find that the SPT-3G data set is well fit by a Λ CDM cosmological model with parameter constraints consistent with those from Planck and SPTpol data. From SPT-3G data alone, we find H 0 = 68.8 ± 1.5 km s - 1 Mpc - 1 and σ 8 = 0.789 ± 0.016 , with a gravitational lensing amplitude consistent with the Λ CDM prediction ( A L = 0.98 ± 0.12 ). We combine the SPT-3G and the Planck data sets and obtain joint constraints on the Λ CDM model. The volume of the 68% confidence region in six-dimensional Λ CDM parameter space is reduced by a factor of 1.5 compared to Planck-only constraints, with no significant shifts in central values. We note that the results presented here are obtained from data collected during just half of a typical observing season with only part of the focal plane operable, and that the active detector count has since nearly doubled for observations made with SPT-3G after 2018.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Flexural strength of a conventionally processed and additively manufactured debased 94% alumina

Mechanical strength of a 94 wt% debased alumina was measured using ASTM-C1161 specimens fabricated via conventional and lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) methods. The effects of build orientation and a 1500°C wet hydrogen fire added to the LCM firing sequence on strength were evaluated. Additionally, a Weibull fit to the conventional flexural specimen data yielded 20 and 356 MPa for the modulus and characteristic strength, respectively. Weibull fits of the data from the LCM specimens yielded moduli between 7.5 and 11.3 and characteristics strengths between 333 and 339 MPa. A Weibull fit to data from LCM specimens subjected to the wet hydrogen fire yielded 14.2 and 376 MPa for the modulus and characteristic strength, respectively. The 95% confidence intervals for all Weibull parameters are reported. Average Archimedes bulk densities of LCM and conventional specimens were 3.732 and 3.730 g/cm 3 , respectively. Process dependent differences in surface morphology were observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of specimen surfaces. SEM images of LCM specimen cross-sections showed alumina grain texture dependent on build direction, but no evidence of porosity concentrated in planes between printed layers. Fracture surfaces of LCM and conventionally processed specimens revealed hackle lines and mirror regions indicative of fracture initiation at the sample surface rather than the interior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mars physical parameters as determined from Mariner 9 observations of the natural satellites and Doppler tracking

Mariner 9 Doppler tracking data and television photographs of Deimos and Phobos were analyzed to determine the gravity field, mass, and spin-axis direction of Mars and the natural satellite orbits. The solutions agree with previously published results. Radio data consisted of an apoapsis state vector for each of revolutions 5-195 obtained from one-revolution fits of Doppler data. Optical data consisted of TV photographs of Phobos and Deimos taken between revolutions 25 and 221. A first-order analytical theory, extended to include dominant second-order resonance effects on the Mariner 9 orbit, was used to calculate the motion of the spacecraft, Deimos, and Phobos. The feasibility of combining radio and optical data in long-arc solutions for accurate determination of orbits and physical parameters is demonstrated. The analytical theory developed for the evolution of a highly eccentric orbit in shallow resonance is accurate to plus or minus 1 km in the apoapsis state vector of Mariner 9 over a period of 200 revolutions.

Born, G. H.↗

An ionized accretion disk in Cygnus X-1

Results of an analysis of archival Exosat and HEAO 1-A2 observations of Cyg X-1 are presented. It is found, in agreement with Ebisawa (1991), that the X-ray spectrum of Cyg X-1 exhibits a 'high-energy excess' above 8 keV, similar to that seen in Ginga spectra of AGN. It is shown, on the basis of a likelihood ratio test, that the data are significantly better fit by a Compton reflection model than by a partial covering model. Even with the energy resolution of the Exosat GSPC, it is found that the derived iron line energy and shape are very dependent on the continuum model used. The best-fit temperature for a Suniaev-Titarchuk Comptonization model is found to be significantly larger than that found in previous analyses based primarily on data in the 30-140 keV band. This suggests that the 5-50 keV continuum is not well fit by the same spectrum form applicable at high energies and that a multiple temperature thermal Compton model is necessary to fit the broadband data.

Done, C.↗

Multispectral observations of the Jovian aurora

This paper presents and analyzes images of the Jovian aurora gathered by the Hubble Space Telescope Faint Object Camera (FOC) and the ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) to determine the function of energetic heavy ion precipitation in the inner magnetosphere and electron acceleration in the outer magnetosphere. Hubble data includes hydrogen auroral spectra and reduced images of Jupiter's north and south poles. One important result is that acceleration of electrons may be largely responsible for the discrete auroral emission features seen in the data set. ROSAT PSPC data presented includes a photon energy spectrum. A two line emission model is shown to produce the best fit to the data. The production of these emission lines occurs as a result of recombination lines that are produced from the slowing of the energetic ion beam as it enters the Jupiter upper atmosphere. It is noted that the observed energetic ion precipitation does not contain sufficient power to explain the observed ultraviolet aurora; it is therefore concluded that both electrons and ions play a role in the Jupiter auroral emissions, but that the bulk of the ultraviolet emissions comes from electron processes.

Source record↗

Representation of the Geosynchronous Plasma Environment in Spacecraft Charging Calculations

Historically, our ability to predict and postdict spacecraft surface charging has been limited by the characterization of the plasma environment. One difficulty lies in the common practice of fitting the plasma data to a Maxwellian or Double Maxwellian distribution function, which may not represent the data well for charging purposes. We use electron and ion flux spectra measured by the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzer (MPA) to examine how the use of different spectral representations of the charged particle environment in computations of spacecraft potentials during magnetospheric substorms affects the accuracy of the results. We calculate the spacecraft potential using both the measured fluxes and several different fits to these fluxes. These measured fluxes have been corrected for the difference between the measured and calculated potential. The potential computed using the measured fluxes and the best available material properties of graphite carbon, with a secondary electron escape fraction of 81%, is within a factor of three of the measured potential for 87% of the data. Potentials calculated using a Kappa function fit to the incident electron flux distribution function and a Maxwellian function fit to the incident ion flux distribution function agree with measured potentials nearly as well as do potentials calculated using the measured fluxes. Alternative spectral representations gave less accurate estimates of potential. The use of all the components of the net flux, along with spacecraft specific average material properties, gives a better estimate of the spacecraft potential than the high energy flux alone.

Davis, V. A.↗

Electrical circuit control in power systems

Electrical circuit control techniques in power systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a supervisory computer in the power system can be configured to fit phasor measurement data from phasor measurement units into a Gaussian distribution with a corresponding Gaussian confidence level. When the Gaussian confidence level of the fitted Gaussian distribution is above a Gaussian confidence threshold, the supervisory computer can be configured to perform an ambient analysis on the received phasor measurement data to determine an operating characteristic of the power system. The supervisory computer can then automatically applying at least one electrical circuit control action to the power system in response to the determined operating characteristic.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

The QDP/PLT user's guide

PLT is a high level plotting package. A Programmer can create a default plot suited for the data being displayed. At run times, users can then interact with the plot overriding any or all of these defaults. The user is also provided the capability to fit functions to the displayed data. This ability to display, interact with, and to fit the data make PLT a useful tool in the analysis of data. The Quick and Dandy Plotter (QDP) program will read ASCII text files that contain PLT commands and data. Thus, QDP provides and easy way to use the PLT software QPD files provide a convenient way to exchange data. The QPD/PLT software is written in standard FORTRAN 77 and has been ported to VAX VMS, SUN UNIX, IBM AIX, NeXT NextStep, and MS-DOS systems.

Tennant, Allyn F.↗

WUS256: An Adjoint Waveform Tomography Model of the Crust and Upper Mantle of the Western United States for Improved Waveform Simulations

Abstract We report a new model (WUS256) of radially anisotropic seismic wavespeeds of the crust and upper mantle of the western United States (WUS) obtained from adjoint waveform tomography for the purpose of improving synthetic waveform fits to observed data. WUS256 is based on inversion of over 94,000 waveforms from 72 earthquakes recorded by nearly 3,400 stations. We started with the SPiRaL global model (Simmons et al., 2021, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggab277 ) and waveforms in the period band of 50–120 s. We followed a conservative multiscale inversion approach with eight stages and 256 total inversion iterations which enabled monotonic misfit reduction to 20‐s minimum‐period waves. WUS256 relied on time‐frequency (TF) phase misfits and a trust region limited memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (L‐BFGS) optimization. Hessian‐vector products were used to qualitatively assess model resolution. Results indicate that WUS256 has good coverage of the continental regions to depths of about 150 km and is able to resolve features on lateral scales of about 200 km. We quantify waveform fits by the reduction in TF and normalized amplitude difference misfits between WUS256 and the SPiRaL starting model. WUS256 significantly improves waveform fits with misfit reduction 64% for both inversion and validation data sets compared to the SPiRaL starting model and shows even better fits compared to other models. Waveform fits illustrate that WUS256 reproduces body‐waves, fundamental mode surface waves as well as late arriving dispersed and/or scattered short period surface waves. The improvement in waveform fit indicates that WUS256 can be used to reproduce path effects on regional complete waveforms and moment tensor inversions.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗